The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure

Transcription

1 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure Issued: December 2016 Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

2 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 2 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure Foreword [This is a suggested foreword for endorsement by your organisation s Chief Executive. You may, however, write an alternative foreword presenting the complaint handling procedure s key aims, benefits and requirements.] [Our complaints handling procedure reflects [the organisation s] commitment to valuing complaints. It seeks to resolve customer dissatisfaction as close as possible to the point of service delivery and to conduct thorough, impartial and fair investigations of customer complaints so that, where appropriate, we can make evidence-based decisions on the facts of the case. The procedure has been developed by social work experts and third sector organisations working closely with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). This procedure has been developed specifically for our social work services, so that staff have all the information they need to handle social work complaints effectively. The procedural elements tie in very closely with those of the Local Authority and National Health Service complaints handling procedures, so where complaints cut across services, they can still be handled in much the same way as other complaints. As far as is possible we have produced a standard approach to handling complaints across local government and the NHS, which complies with the SPSO s guidance on a model complaints handling procedure. This procedure aims to help us get it right first time. We want quicker, simpler and more streamlined complaints handling with local, early resolution by capable, well-trained staff. Good complaints handling includes providing joint responses to complaints whenever they relate to more than one service. This procedure gives our staff information and guidance on how and when to do this, to ensure that our customers get a comprehensive response to their complaints whenever this is possible. Complaints give us valuable information we can use to improve service provision and customer satisfaction. Our complaints handling procedure will enable us to address a customer s dissatisfaction and may help us prevent the same problem from happening again. For our staff, complaints provide a first-hand account of the customers views and experience, and can highlight problems we may otherwise miss. Handled well, complaints can give our customers a form of redress when things go wrong, and can also help us continuously improve our services. Resolving complaints early creates better customer relations. Handling complaints close to the point of service delivery means we can resolve them locally and quickly, so they are less likely to escalate to the next stage of the procedure. Complaints that we do not resolve swiftly can greatly add to our workload and are more costly to administer. The complaints handling procedure will help us do our job better, improve relationships with our customers and enhance public perception of [the organisation]. It will help us keep the user at the heart of the process, while enabling us to better understand how to improve our services by learning from complaints.]

3 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 3 How to use this Model Complaints Handling Procedure 4 What is a complaint? 5 Who can make a complaint? 5 Handling anonymous complaints 6 What if the customer does not want to complain? 6 Supporting the customer 6 Complaints and appeals 7 Complaints involving social work services and another service or organisation 7 Complaints about services commissioned by us 9 Complaints for the Care Inspectorate 9 Complaints relevant to other agencies 10 The complaints handling process 11 Stage one: frontline resolution 12 What to do when you receive a complaint 12 Timelines 13 Extension to the timeline 14 Closing the complaint at the frontline resolution stage 14 When to escalate to the investigation stage 14 Stage two: investigation 15 What to do when you receive a complaint for investigation 15 Timelines 16 Extension to the timeline 16 Alternative resolution and mediation 16 Closing the complaint at the investigation stage 17 Signposting to the SPSO 17 Governance of the complaints handling procedure 18 Roles and responsibilities 18 Complaints about senior staff 19 Recording, reporting, learning from and publicising complaints 19 Recording complaints 19 Reporting of complaints 20 Learning from complaints 20 Publicising complaints performance information 21 Maintaining confidentiality 21 Managing unacceptable behaviour 21 Time limit for making complaints 21 Appendix 1 Frontline resolution complaints 22 Appendix 2 Complex social work scenarios 24 Appendix 3 Timelines 28 Appendix 4 The complaints handling procedure 31 CONTENTS

4 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 4 How to use this Model Complaints Handling Procedure This document explains to staff how to handle complaints. A separate document provides information for customers on the complaints procedure. Together, these form our complaints handling procedure. It is designed to be an internal document for social work services to adopt. It contains references and links to more details on parts of the procedure, such as how to record complaints, and the criteria for signing off and agreeing time extensions. These explain how to process, manage and reach decisions on different types of complaint. Any text that is in italics may be amended or replaced with the organisation s own text as appropriate. The language used reflects its status as an internal document. So we refers to the organisation, not the SPSO. When using this document, please also refer to the SPSO Statement of Complaints Handling Principles and best practice guidance on complaints handling from the Complaints Standards Authority at the SPSO.

5 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 5 What is a complaint? [The organisation s] definition of a complaint is: An expression of dissatisfaction by one or more members of the public about the social work service s action or lack of action, or about the standard of service provided by or on behalf of the social work service. [The organisation may not usually use the term social work service, and if so, a further explanation of your social work provision can be added here.] Any complaints about other services will be handled under [the organisation s] standard complaints handling procedure (CHP). A complaint may relate to the following, but is not restricted to this list: > failure or refusal to provide a service > inadequate quality or standard of service > dissatisfaction with one of our policies or its impact on the individual > failure to properly apply law, procedure or guidance when delivering services > failure of administrative processes > delays in service provision > treatment by or attitude of a member of staff > disagreement with a decision made in relation to social work services. Appendix 1 provides a range of examples of complaints we may receive, and how these may be handled. A complaint is not: > a routine first-time request for a service > a claim for compensation only > a disagreement with decisions or conditions that are based upon social work recommendations, but determined by a court or other statutory body, for example decisions made by a children s panel, parole board or mental health tribunal > an attempt to reopen a previously concluded complaint or to have a complaint reconsidered where we have already given our final decision. You must not treat these issues as complaints, and should instead direct customers to use the appropriate procedures. Appendix 2 gives examples of more complex complaints, some of which are not appropriate for this CHP. The section on Complaints relevant to other agencies provides information about some of the other agencies that may be able to assist customers if their complaint is not appropriate for this CHP. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to what is and what is not a complaint. This can be inserted here or alternatively it can be included in an annex to this document.] Who can make a complaint? Anyone who receives, requests, or is affected by our social work services can make a complaint. This is not restricted to service users and their relatives or representatives, but may also include people who come into contact with or are affected by these services, for example people who live in close proximity to a social work service provision, such as a care home or day centre. In this procedure these people are termed customers, regardless of whether they are or were using a service. Sometimes a customer may be unable or reluctant to make a complaint on their own. We will accept complaints from third parties, which may include relatives, friends and advocates. The third party should normally obtain the customer's consent. This can include complaints brought by parents on behalf of their child, if the child is considered to have capacity to make decisions for themselves. However, in certain circumstances, the third party may raise a complaint without receiving consent, such as when there are concerns over someone s wellbeing. The complaint should still be investigated, but the response may be limited by considerations of confidentiality. You must ensure that you follow [the organisation s] policies on gaining consent and information sharing.

6 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 6 Independent advocates may bring complaints on behalf of social work service users or other customers, if they are unable to raise an issue themselves, or if they are unable to identify when something is wrong. More information about using advocates to support customers is available in the section on Supporting the customer. If you have concerns that a complaint has been submitted by a third party without appropriate authority from the customer, you should seek advice from a more senior member of staff. The provision of a signed mandate from the customer will normally be sufficient for us to investigate a complaint. However, the timing of when we require this mandate may vary depending on the circumstances. If the complaint raises concerns that require immediate investigation, this should not be delayed while a mandate is sought. It will, however, be required before the provision of a full response to the third party. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to issues around capacity, providing and gaining consent and information sharing, for example in relation to Power of Attorney or Guardianship arrangements. This can be inserted here or alternatively it can be included in an annex to this document.] Handling anonymous complaints We value all complaints. This means we treat all complaints, including anonymous complaints, seriously and will take action to consider them further, wherever this is appropriate. Generally, we will consider anonymous complaints if there is enough information in the complaint to enable us to make further enquiries. If, however, an anonymous complaint does not provide enough information to enable us to take further action, we may decide not to pursue it further. Any decision not to pursue an anonymous complaint must be authorised by a senior manager. If an anonymous complaint makes serious allegations, these should be dealt with in a timely manner under relevant procedures. This may not be the complaints procedure and could instead be relevant child protection, adult protection or disciplinary procedures. If we pursue an anonymous complaint further, we will record the issues as an anonymous complaint on the complaints system. This will help to ensure the completeness of the complaints data we record and allow us to take corrective action where appropriate. What if the customer does not want to complain? If a customer has expressed dissatisfaction in line with our definition of a complaint but does not want to complain, tell them that we do consider all expressions of dissatisfaction, and that complaints offer us the opportunity to improve services where things have gone wrong. Encourage the customer to submit their complaint and allow us to handle it through the CHP. This will ensure that the customer is updated on the action taken and gets a response to their complaint. If, however, the customer insists they do not wish to complain, you should record the complaint as an anonymous complaint. This will ensure that the customer's details are not recorded on the complaints database and that they receive no further contact about the matter. It will also help to ensure the completeness of the complaints data recorded and will still allow us to fully consider the matter and take corrective action where appropriate. Supporting the customer All members of the community have the right to equal access to our complaints procedure. It is important to recognise the barriers that some customers may face complaining. These may be physical, sensory, communication or language barriers, but can also include their anxieties and concerns. Customers may need independent support to overcome these barriers to accessing the complaints system.

7 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 7 Customers who do not have English as a first language, including British Sign Language users, may need help with interpretation and translation services. Other customers may need other forms of communication support, including documents written in accessible language such as easy read format. Some may need support workers or advocates to help them understand their rights, and help them to communicate their complaints. We must always take into account our commitment and responsibilities to equality. This includes making reasonable adjustments to ensure that all customers can access our services. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 gives anyone with a mental disorder (including mental health issues, learning difficulties, dementia and autism) a right to access independent advocacy. This legislation says that independent advocacy must be delivered by independent organisations that only provide advocacy. They help people to know and understand their rights, make informed decisions and have a voice. The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance website has information about local advocacy organisations throughout Scotland. Wherever possible we will identify what additional needs a customer may have and help them find appropriate support or refer them to their local independent advocacy organisation to help them in pursuing a complaint. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to arrangements to support the customer. This can be inserted here or included in an annex to this document.] Complaints and appeals While some social work decisions may be reviewed under alternative arrangements at a local level (for example through appeal or peer review), the SPSO has the power to consider professional social work decisions. The customer should not be required to seek a reconsideration of a decision under both appeal and complaint processes, nor should they be required to make further complaint if dissatisfied with the outcome of an appeal. Therefore, whilst we have discretion to operate appeals procedures, these must be regarded as a special form of complaint investigation (stage 2 of this CHP). Such appeals processes must be compliant with this procedure in terms of the rigour and documentation of the process, must be concluded within 20 working days with a written response to the customer, and must be recorded as a stage 2 complaint on the relevant complaints database. If the customer raises additional issues of dissatisfaction as well as challenging a professional decision, then the process must consider and respond to every element of the customer's dissatisfaction so that no additional complaint process is required. The final response letter must provide relevant text advising the customer of their right to refer the matter to the SPSO for independent consideration. The SPSO will then investigate matters in full, in line with their standard procedures. Complaints involving social work services and another service or organisation [There are two options for this section; one is for delegated social work services, and the second is for retained services, as explained below. The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014, which implements health and social care integration, requires adult social work functions to be delegated to Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs). Other services such as children s social care and criminal justice social work may also be delegated, if there is local agreement to do so. As a consequence, there will be variance in the delegation of functions between partnership areas according to the local needs of each one. It is important for staff investigating stage 2 complaints to be aware of the delegation arrangements in their area, so they can take appropriate account of these, even if they are not themselves working within a delegated service. The following text sets out how cross-service complaints should be handled. The introductory text is different for retained and delegated services. The subsequent procedure is the same for both. The legislation requires Integration Joint Boards to have a separate complaints handling procedure for handling complaints about their functions. This will be broadly in line with this CHP.]

8 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 8 [This paragraph is for social work services retained by a local authority:] [A complaint may relate to our social work service and another service provided by [the organisation], or provided by another organisation, such as a health and social care partnership, the NHS or a housing association. Initially, these complaints should all be handled in the same way. They must be logged as a complaint, and the content of the complaint must be considered to identify which services are involved, and what parts of the complaint we can respond to and which parts are appropriate for another organisation. How these complaints are then handled will depend on delegation arrangements and on the other organisation involved, as follows:] OR [This paragraph is for delegated social work services:] [A complaint may relate to our social work service and another service provided by [the organisation], or one provided by the LA, by another NHS organisation, or by another organisation such as a housing association. Initially, these complaints should all be handled in the same way. They must be logged as a complaint, and the content of the complaint must be considered, to identify which services are involved, which parts of the complaint we can respond to and which parts are appropriate for another organisation. How these complaints are then handled will depend on delegation arrangements and on the other organisation involved, as follows:] [The following paragraphs apply to all organisations:] Complaints relating to a social work service and another service provided by [the organisation] Where a complaint relates to two services provided by us, these services must work together to resolve the complaint. A decision must be taken as to which service will lead on the response. You must ensure that all parties are clear about this decision. It is important to give a joint response from the lead service, and also ensure that both services contribute to this. Complaints relating to a social work service and another service provided by another organisation, such as a separate NHS organisation or a housing association The aim with such complaints is still to provide a joint response (particularly where the organisations are linked, eg. NHS providers), though this may not always be possible. Contact must be made with the customer to explain that their complaint partly relates to services which are delivered by another organisation, and that to resolve their complaint, we will need to share information with this organisation. You must check whether you need specific consent from the customer before you can share their information with the other services, and take appropriate action where necessary, bearing in mind any data protection requirements. If it is possible to give a joint response, a decision must be taken as to which service will lead the process. We must ensure that all parties are clear about this decision. The response must cover all parts of the complaint, explain the role of both services, and (for investigation stage complaints) confirm that it is the final response from both services. If a joint response is not possible, you should explain to the person making the complaint the reasons why they will receive two separate responses, and who they can get in contact with about the other aspects of their complaint. You must also write to both the customer and the other services involved, setting out which parts of the complaint you will be able to respond to. Remember, if you need to make enquiries to another organisation in relation to a complaint, always take account of data protection legislation and our guidance on handling our customers personal information. The Information Commissioner has detailed guidance on data sharing and has issued a data sharing code of practice.

9 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 9 Complaints about services commissioned by us As part of the service provider's contractual obligations, they must provide a robust complaints process which complies with this CHP, and this obligation must be set out in their contract. This applies to all contracted services, including care services. The expectations around complaints handling by the provider should also be explained to service users in their service agreement with the provider. At the end of the investigation stage of any such complaints the provider must ensure that the customer is signposted to the SPSO, as with any other complaint made to [the organisation]. [Contracts with commissioned services should reflect the following good practice: It is important that a complaint is resolved as quickly as possible and as close as possible to the time when the event being complained about occurred. The contracted service provider should be given the opportunity to respond to a complaint first, even if the customer has initially approached [the organisation], unless there is good reason why this would not be appropriate. However, [the organisation] will have discretion to investigate complaints about providers contracted to deliver services on its behalf. These services may also be registered as a care service with the Care Inspectorate to deliver a care or support service. If this is the case, customers have the right to complain directly to the Care Inspectorate or to make use of the provider s CHP and thereafter make a complaint to the Care Inspectorate, regardless of any investigations undertaken by [the organisation]. Where services are commissioned on behalf of the [the organisation], customers can make complaints under this CHP in relation to the assessment of need, the commissioning or recommendation process, and any element of the service that has been publicly funded. Complaints about any part of service that has been privately funded cannot be considered through this CHP. Service providers who are not registered with the Care Inspectorate as a care or support service but who are contracted to deliver other services on behalf of [the organisation] must still comply with this CHP. Complaints for the Care Inspectorate Local authorities and any contractors that provide care services must be registered with the Care Inspectorate. This is the independent scrutiny and improvement body for care and social work across Scotland, which regulates, inspects and supports improvement of care services. The Care Inspectorate has a procedure for receiving information, concerns and investigating complaints, from members of the public or their representatives, about the care services they use. The Care Inspectorate's complaints procedure is available even when the service provider has an alternative complaints procedure in place. The Care Inspectorate encourages people to complain directly to the organisation they receive a service from. However, some people are not comfortable doing this and to support them, the Care Inspectorate will take complaints about care services directly. When complaints are brought to us about registered care services, we have the right to share complaint information about the registered care provider with the Care Inspectorate, to decide who is best placed to investigate the complaint. We can also share the outcome of complaints about contracted and registered services with the Care Inspectorate. Contact details for the Care Inspectorate can be found on their website: Or: telephone fax complete an online complaints form at or

10 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 10 Complaints about Personal Assistants Where an individual directly employs a Personal Assistant to provide their support, using a Direct Payment (as part of a Self-directed Support package), they are not subject to registration with the Care Inspectorate under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2011, its regulations and amendments. The employer remains responsible for the management of their employee, including their performance management. The Care Inspectorate would only be able to take complaints about such support workers if they work for a registered care agency. Complaints relevant to other agencies Customers may raise concerns about issues which cannot be handled through this CHP, but which other agencies may be able to provide assistance with or may have an interest in. This may include: Customers may also raise concerns that information has not been provided in line with information sharing and data protection legislation, in which case they should be signposted to [the organisation s data protection/ information service]. Any correspondence they have received from [the organisation] will also specify the next steps to take if there are ongoing concerns, including signposting to the Information Commissioner: Tel: Website: This list is not exhaustive, and it is important to consider the circumstances of each case, and whether another organisation may also have a role to play. The Mental Welfare Commission: Tel: (service users and carers only) Website: The Children s Commissioner: Tel: Website: The Scottish Social Services Council: via their website Tel: Website:

11 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 11 The complaints handling process Our CHP aims to provide a quick, simple and streamlined process for resolving complaints early and locally by capable, well-trained staff. Our complaints process provides two opportunities to resolve complaints internally: > frontline resolution, and > investigation. The Model Complaints Handling Procedure FRONTLINE RESOLUTION INVESTIGATION INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL REVIEW (SPSO or other) For issues that are straightforward and easily resolved, requiring little or no investigation. On-the-spot apology, explanation, or other action to resolve the complaint quickly, in five working days or less, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Complaints addressed by any member of staff, or alternatively referred to the appropriate point for frontline resolution. Complaint details, outcome and action taken recorded and used for service improvement. For issues that have not been resolved at the frontline or that are complex, serious or high risk. A definitive response provided within 20 working days following a thorough investigation of the points raised. Responses signed off by senior management. Senior management have an active interest in complaints and use information gathered to improve services. For issues that have not been resolved by the service provider. Complaints progressing to the SPSO will have been thoroughly investigated by the service provider. The SPSO will assess whether there is evidence of service failure or maladministration not identified by the service provider. In relation to social work decisions the SPSO can also look at professional decisions. For clarity, the term 'frontline resolution' refers to the first stage of the complaints process. It does not reflect any job description within [the organisation] but means seeking to resolve complaints at the initial point of contact where possible.

12 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 12 Stage one: frontline resolution Frontline resolution aims to quickly resolve straightforward customer complaints that require little or no investigation. Any member of staff may deal with complaints at this stage. The main principle is to seek early resolution, resolving complaints at the earliest opportunity and as close to the point of service delivery as possible. This may mean a face-to-face discussion with the customer, or asking an appropriate member of staff to handle the complaint. Appendix 1 gives examples of the types of complaint we may consider at this stage, with suggestions on how to resolve them. In practice, frontline resolution means resolving the complaint at the first point of contact with the customer, either by the member of staff receiving the complaint or other identified staff. In either case, you may settle the complaint by providing an on-the-spot apology where appropriate, or explaining why the issue occurred and, where possible, what will be done to stop this happening again. You may also explain that, as an organisation that values complaints, we may use the information given when we review service standards in the future. A customer can make a complaint in writing, in person, by telephone, by or online, or by having someone complain on their behalf. You must always consider frontline resolution, regardless of how you have received the customer s complaint. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to issues around capacity, providing and gaining consent and information sharing, for example in relation to Power of Attorney or Guardianship arrangements. This can be inserted here or alternatively it can be included in an annex to this document.] What to do when you receive a complaint 1 On receiving a complaint, you must first decide whether the issue can be defined as a complaint. The customer may express dissatisfaction about more than one issue. This may mean you treat one part as a complaint, while directing the customer to pursue another part through an alternative route (see Appendix 2). 2 If you have received and identified a complaint, record the details on our complaints system at the earliest opportunity. The date of receipt of the complaint is always day 1, regardless of when the complaint is recorded. 3 Decide whether or not the complaint is suitable for frontline resolution. Some complaints will need more extensive investigation before you can give the customer a suitable response. You must escalate these complaints immediately to the investigation stage. 4 Where you think frontline resolution is appropriate, you must consider four key questions: > what exactly is the customer s complaint (or complaints)? > what does the customer want to achieve by complaining? > can I achieve this, or explain why not? > if I cannot resolve this, who can help with frontline resolution?

13 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 13 What exactly is the customer s complaint (or complaints)? It is important to be clear about exactly what the customer is complaining about. You may need to ask the customer for more information and probe further to get a full understanding. What does the customer want to achieve by complaining? At the outset, clarify the outcome the customer wants. Of course, the customer may not be clear about this, and you may need to probe further to find out what they expect, and whether they can be satisfied. Can I achieve this, or explain why not? If you can achieve the expected outcome, for example, by providing an on-the-spot apology or explain why you cannot achieve it, you should do so. If you consider an apology is appropriate, you may wish to follow the SPSO s guidance on the subject: The SPSO guidance on apology can be found on the SPSO website. The customer may expect more than we can provide. If so, you must tell them as soon as possible. An example would be where the customer is very dissatisfied that their child has not been assigned to the social worker they were expecting, when this worker is no longer available. You are likely to have to convey the decision face-to-face or on the telephone. If you do so face-to-face or by telephone, you are not required to write to the customer as well, although you may choose to do so. It is important, however, to keep a full and accurate record of the decision reached and given to the customer. If I can t resolve this, who can help with frontline resolution? If you cannot deal with the complaint because, for example, you are unfamiliar with the issues or area of service involved, pass the complaint to someone who can attempt to resolve it. Timelines Frontline resolution must be completed within five working days, although in practice we would often expect to resolve the complaint much sooner. You may need to get more information to resolve the complaint at this stage. However, it is important to respond to the customer within five working days, either resolving the matter or explaining that their complaint is to be investigated.

14 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 14 Extension to the timeline In exceptional circumstances, where there are clear and justifiable reasons for doing so, you may agree an extension of up to ten working days with the customer. This must only happen when an extension will make it more likely that the complaint will be resolved at the frontline resolution stage. When you are considering an extension, you must get authorisation from the appropriate manager, who will decide whether you need an extension to effectively resolve the complaint. Examples of when this may be appropriate include staff or contractors being temporarily unavailable, or when awaiting responses from third parties or commissioned services. If it is clear from the outset that the complaint is so complex that it clearly cannot be resolved as a frontline complaint (in five working days), it should be handled directly at the investigation stage. Where an extension is authorised, you must tell the customer about the reasons for the extension, and when they can expect a response. All attempts to resolve the complaint at this stage must take no longer than 15 working days from the date you receive the complaint. The proportion of complaints that exceed the five working day timeline will be evident from reported statistics, and should be kept to a minimum. These statistics must go to our senior management team on a quarterly basis. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to extensions to the five working day timeline. This can be inserted here or be included in an annex to this document.] Appendix 3 provides further information on timelines. Closing the complaint at the frontline resolution stage When you have informed the customer of the outcome, you are not obliged to write to the customer, although you may choose to do so. You must ensure that our response to the complaint addresses all areas that we are responsible for, explains the reasons for our decision and explains what the customer should do if they remain dissatisfied. It is also important to keep a full and accurate record of the decision reached and given to the customer. The complaint should then be closed and the complaints system updated accordingly. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples about when to provide written confirmation of the decision at the frontline stage of the procedure. This can be inserted here or be included in an annex to this document.] When to escalate to the investigation stage A complaint must be escalated to the investigation stage when: > frontline resolution was tried but the customer remains dissatisfied and requests an investigation into the complaint. This may be immediately on communicating the decision at the frontline stage or could be some time later > the customer refuses to take part in the frontline resolution process > the issues raised are complex and require detailed investigation, or > the complaint relates to serious, high-risk or high-profile issues. When a previously closed complaint is escalated from the frontline resolution stage, the complaint should be reopened on the complaints system.

15 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 15 Take particular care to identify complaints that might be considered serious, high risk or high profile, as these may require particular action or raise critical issues that need senior management s direct input. The SPSO defines potential high-risk or high-profile complaints as those that may: > involve a death or terminal illness > involve serious service failure, for example major delays or repeated failures to provide a service > generate significant and ongoing press interest > pose a serious risk to our operations > present issues of a highly sensitive nature, for example concerning: immediate homelessness a particularly vulnerable person child protection adult protection. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to high-risk/high-profile complaints. This can be inserted here or be included in an annex to this document.] Stage two: investigation Not all complaints are suitable for frontline resolution and not all complaints will be satisfactorily resolved at that stage. Complaints handled at the investigation stage of the complaints handling procedure are typically complex or require a detailed examination before we can state our position. These complaints may already have been considered at the frontline resolution stage, or they may have been identified from the start as needing immediate investigation. An investigation aims to establish all the facts relevant to the points made in the complaint and to give the customer a full, objective and proportionate response that represents our final position. What to do when you receive a complaint for investigation It is important to be clear from the start of the investigation stage exactly what you are investigating, and to ensure that both the customer and the service understand the investigation's scope. It is often necessary to discuss and confirm these points with the customer at the outset, to establish why they are dissatisfied and whether the outcome they are looking for sounds realistic. In discussing the complaint with the customer, consider three key questions: 1 What specifically is the customer s complaint or complaints? 2 What does the customer want to achieve by complaining? 3 Are the customer s expectations realistic and achievable? It may be that the customer expects more than we can provide. If so, you must make this clear to the customer as soon as possible. Where possible you should also clarify what additional information you will need to investigate the complaint. The customer may need to provide more information to help us reach a decision. You should find out the person s preferred method of communication, and communicate by this means where reasonably practicable. Details of the complaint must be recorded on the complaints system. Where appropriate, this will be done as a continuation of frontline resolution. The details must be updated when the investigation ends. If the investigation stage follows attempted frontline resolution, you must ensure the officer responsible for the investigation has full access to all case notes and associated information, and record that you have done so.

16 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 16 Timelines The following deadlines are appropriate to cases at the investigation stage: > complaints must be acknowledged within three working days > you should provide a full response to the complaint as soon as possible but not later than 20 working days from the time you received the complaint for investigation. Extension to the timeline It is important that every effort is made to meet the timeline, as failure to do so may have a detrimental effect on the customer. Not all investigations will be able to meet this deadline. For example, some complaints are so complex that they require careful consideration and detailed investigation beyond the 20 working day timeline. However, these would be the exception and you must always try to deliver a final response to a complaint within 20 working days. If there are clear and justifiable reasons for extending the timeline, senior management will agree an extension and set time limits on any extended investigation. You must keep the customer updated on the reason for the delay and give them a revised timescale for completion. The reasons for an extension might include the following: > essential accounts or statements, crucial to establishing the circumstances of the case, are needed from staff, customers or others but the person you must contact cannot help because of long-term sickness or leave > you cannot obtain further essential information within normal timescales, or > the customer has agreed to mediation as a potential route for resolution. These are only a few examples, and you must judge the matter in relation to each complaint. However, an extension would be the exception and you must always try to deliver a final response to the complaint within 20 working days. If a joint response is being prepared to a complaint that covers more than one service, the lead service must inform the customer of the reasons for any delay and when they can expect a response, even if the delay relates to input from the other service. As with complaints considered at the frontline stage, the proportion of complaints that exceed the 20 working day timeline will be evident from reported statistics, which are provided to senior management on a quarterly basis. Appendix 3 provides further information on timelines. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to extensions to the 20 day timeline. This can be inserted here or be included in an annex to this document.] Alternative resolution and mediation Some complex complaints, or complaints where customers and other interested parties have become entrenched in their position, may require a different approach to resolving the matter. Where appropriate, you may consider using services such as mediation or conciliation, using suitably trained and qualified mediators to try to resolve the matter. Mediation will help both parties to understand what has caused the complaint, and so is more likely to lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. If you and the customer agree to mediation, an extension to the timeline will need to be agreed. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to mediation. This can be inserted here or be included in an annex to this document.]

17 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 17 Closing the complaint at the investigation stage You must let the customer know the outcome of the investigation, in writing or by their preferred method of contact. Our response to the complaint must address all areas that we are responsible for and explain the reasons for our decision, taking an appropriate approach to any confidential information. You must record the decision, and details of how it was communicated to the customer, on the complaints system. You must also make clear to the customer: > their right to ask SPSO to consider the complaint > the time limit for doing so, and > how to contact the SPSO. Signposting to the SPSO Once the investigation stage has been completed, the customer has the right to approach the SPSO if they remain dissatisfied. The SPSO considers complaints from people who remain dissatisfied at the conclusion of our complaints procedure. The SPSO looks at issues such as service failure and maladministration (administrative fault), and the way we have handled the complaint. In relation to social work decisions, they can also look at professional judgement. The SPSO recommends that you use the wording below to inform customers of their right to ask SPSO to consider the complaint. Information about the SPSO The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) is the final stage for complaints about public services in Scotland. This includes complaints about local councils and the NHS in Scotland. If you remain dissatisfied when you have had a final response from [the organisation], you can ask the SPSO to look at your complaint. The SPSO cannot normally look at complaints: > where you have not gone all the way through the council s complaints handling procedure > more than 12 months after you became aware of the matter you want to complain about, or > that have been or are being considered in court. The SPSO s contact details are: SPSO 4 Melville Street Edinburgh EH3 7NS Their freepost address is: FREEPOST SPSO Freephone: Online contact Website:

18 The Social Work Model Complaints Handling Procedure I 18 Governance of the complaints handling procedure Roles and responsibilities Overall responsibility and accountability for the management of complaints lies with [the organisation's Chief Executive] and senior management. Our final position on the complaint must be signed off by an appropriate senior officer and we will confirm that this is our final response. This ensures that our senior management own and are accountable for the decision. It also reassures the customer that their concerns have been taken seriously. [The roles and responsibilities in each organisation will vary depending on size, organisational structure, portfolio responsibilities and a host of other business considerations. The following paragraphs provide general examples of the roles and responsibilities that an organisation may consider appropriate in respect of complaints handling. Organisations are, however, free to manage the CHP in the most efficient and effective manner for their organisation. The following paragraphs explaining roles and responsibilities should be amended to suit the organisation. However, there must remain a clear description of the roles and responsibilities in relation to complaints handling for each level of the organisation.] [Chief Executive/ Chief Officer: The Chief Executive or Chief Officer provides leadership and direction in ways that guide and enable us to perform effectively across all services. This includes ensuring that there is an effective complaints handling procedure, with a robust investigation process that demonstrates how we learn from the complaints we receive. The Chief Executive may take a personal interest in all or some complaints, or may delegate responsibility for the CHP to senior staff. Regular management reports assure the Chief Executive of the quality of complaints performance. Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO): The CSWO has an important role in the consideration of complaints information and, on occasion, the content of individual complaints. Their role in overseeing the effective governance of social work services and monitoring these arrangements includes complaints about social work services. The CSWO should also take appropriate account of complaints information in fulfilling their obligations to promote continuous improvement and best practice. Furthermore, the CSWO or their delegated officers may have specific interest in complaints relating to individuals for whom they have decision-making responsibilities. Directors: On the Chief Executive s behalf, directors may be responsible for: > managing complaints and the way we learn from them > overseeing the implementation of actions required as a result of a complaint > investigating complaints, and > deputising for the Chief Executive on occasion. They may also be responsible for preparing and signing off decisions for customers, so they should be satisfied that the investigation is complete and their response addresses all aspects of the complaint. However, directors may decide to delegate some elements of complaints handling (such as investigations and the drafting of response letters) to other senior staff. Where this happens, directors should retain ownership and accountability for the management and reporting of complaints.

19 The Social Work Complaints Handling Procedure I 19 Heads of service: Head of service may be involved in the operational investigation and management of complaints handling. As senior officers they may be responsible for preparing and signing decision letters to customers, so they should be satisfied that the investigation is complete and their response addresses all aspects of the complaint. Complaints investigator: The complaints investigator is responsible and accountable for the management of the investigation. They may work in a service delivery team or as part of a centralised customer service team, and will be involved in the investigation and in co-ordinating all aspects of the response to the customer. This may include preparing a comprehensive written report, including details of any procedural changes in service delivery and identifying wider opportunities for learning across the organisation. All of the organisation s staff: A complaint may be made to any member of staff in the organisation. All staff must therefore be aware of the complaints handling procedure and how to handle and record complaints at the frontline stage. They should also be aware of who to refer a complaint to, in case they are not able to handle the matter. We encourage all staff to try to resolve complaints early, as close to the point of service delivery as possible, to prevent escalation. The organisation s SPSO liaison officer: Our SPSO liaison officer's role may include providing complaints information in an orderly, structured way within requested timescales, providing comments on factual accuracy on our behalf in response to SPSO reports, and confirming and verifying that recommendations have been implemented.] Complaints about senior staff Complaints about senior staff can be difficult to handle, as there may be a conflict of interest for the staff investigating the complaint. When serious complaints are raised against senior staff, it is particularly important that the investigation is conducted by an individual who is independent of the situation. We must ensure we have strong governance arrangements in place that set out clear procedures for handling such complaints. [The organisation may provide further guidance or examples in relation to the process for handling complaints about senior staff members. This can be inserted here or can be included in an annex to this document.] Recording, reporting, learning and publicising complaints Complaints provide valuable customer feedback. One of the aims of the CHP is to identify opportunities to improve services across [the organisation]. We must record all complaints in a systematic way so that we can use the complaints data for analysis and management reporting. By recording and using complaints information in this way, we can identify and address the causes of complaints and, where appropriate, identify training opportunities and introduce service improvements. Recording complaints To collect suitable data it is essential to record all complaints in line with SPSO minimum requirements, as follows: > the customer s name and address > the date the complaint was received > the nature of the complaint > how the complaint was received > the service the complaint refers to > the date the complaint was closed at the frontline resolution stage (where appropriate) > the date the complaint was escalated to the investigation stage (where appropriate) > action taken at the investigation stage (where appropriate) > the date the complaint was closed at the investigation stage (where appropriate) > the outcome of the complaint at each stage, and > the underlying cause of the complaint and any remedial action taken.

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